This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Speaking today, he said:

“I welcome the news of the first transfer of goods from Gaza to the West Bank since 2007. This is an important step by Israel towards fulfilling its commitment to allow economic development for the 1.6 million people in Gaza.

“We hope that further transfers of goods to the West Bank - including fruit and vegetables, textiles and furniture - will now also be permitted.

“While we will never underestimate the security needs of Israel, with unemployment in Gaza at 26%, private sector business there at risk of collapse, and Hamas profiting from smuggled goods through the tunnels, there is an urgent need to reopen Gaza’s access to its traditional markets in the West Bank and Israel”.

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